Writer’s Karma
I first learned about occupational karma from my friends Carolyn and Peter, who spent a good many years waiting tables. They practiced Tipping Karma–always tipping generously when they went out to eat, on the theory that those tips would come back to them somehow.
I think it works with writers, too. Last week I recommended someone’s book for Bookseller Chick’s list of midlist books people should take a look at. I chose Maria V. Snyder’s Poison Study, a book I read at the beginning of the year and really loved. A few days ago Bookseller Chick posted an interview with Maria, along with a photo of the book’s cover. I was so happy! I have no idea if that exposure will translate into more sales for Maria, but I certainly hope so–the book deserves it.
After reading Bookseller Chick, I returned to my weekend recreation of Googling myself and other writer friends of mine. I came across a glowing recommendation of my friend Barry Lyga’s novel The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by some complete stranger in Australia. I forwarded it on to Barry because I know how something like that can make a writer’s day.
So, did my saying nice things about Maria’s book cause someone else to do the same for Barry? And does it mean that someday someone will say nice things about my novels? Who knows? I think what matters more is creating a culture among our peers of helping each other out and cheering each other on.
I don’t recommend books because I expect something back. I love books and I’m a total pusher when I find one I think others should read. I also like to help other authors who are committed and hard-working and just haven’t made the right connection yet. There’s a novel I read at that Oregon workshop last week that I think would be perfect for my editor at Knopf. I hope to hook up author and editor soon for both their sakes. I think they’d make great books together.
In the meantime, I’ll keep plugging all the good books I find, mainly because I can’t keep my mouth shut.
And just out of curiosity, if you’ve ever been a server, do you think Tipping Karma works?
Technorati Tags: Writing, Publishing, Reading, Books, Karma
May 16th, 2006 at 10:28 am
I tip well because 1) it’s the right thing to do, and 2) it’s my karmic insurance policy against getting my food spit in.
May 16th, 2006 at 7:32 pm
lizzie, you are a true pragmatist. i tip well because i worked my way through school as a waitress and i am always supportive of people who do what others may consider “humble” work. since the only way i can increase my karmic cache with writers, such as robin, is to buy their boooks or books they recommend, which i do, i look for other ways to pay my way. five things i always do, and did when i had very little to spare, are to give money to 1) panhandlers with children 2) panhandlers who are children 3) panhandlers who are mentally ill 4) panhandlers who are physically disabled and 5)anyone who approaches me with an offer to do any good, honest, crappy work such as trim my trees, haul the trash from my side yard, wash my car, paint the address on the curb. (i’m also a regular purchaser of any home cooked food products sold in front of the grocery store or pharmacy). when my family or friends accuse me of being taken advantage of, as they periodically do, i say, “so what”, we are blessed that we have never been in a situation so desperate that we are willing to stand on the street asking for a handout or ring the doorbell of a complete stranger and beg for work, and god willing, never will be. i know i digress from the subject of “writer’s karma” but i’m thinkin’ karma’s, karma, let’s just all do our part to create enough of the good stuff to go around.
May 17th, 2006 at 6:09 pm
I always am a big tipper because I am too lazy to do the math (percentages are not my thing). I also have great compassion for those who serve me—-although I am not a demanding ornery customer, I feel I should make up for those who are rude. Everyone is someone’s daughter, son, mother, brother, whatever and should be left a nice tip just because.
If I am dining out with someone who is a skimpy tipper, I always sneak back to the table and add more cash as soon as I am out of sight of my eating companion.
Do I think Karma is in play here? Who knows —but this is my small contribution to the ‘world of fairness’.